Uniform dispensing, multi-chambered tube comprising a flow regulating element

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a multi-chambered tube for containing and dispensing a contents, comprising: (a) a body divided by at least one divider wall into at least two chambers, each chamber housing a portion of the contents, the body being sealed at one end by a crimp seal and one end of the divider wall being sealed within the crimp seal; (b) a shoulder attached to the body; (c) a nozzle attached to the shoulder and provided with an orifice through which the contents are dispensed; (d) a flow regulating element located in the shoulder of the tube and being comprised of as many sections as there are body chambers, and each section being provided with at least one aperture; (e) at least one partition separating the sections of the flow regulating element from each other and dividing the nozzle into as many nozzle chambers as there are body chambers, each nozzle chamber being in communication with a body chamber via the aperture(s) in the corresponding section of the flow regulating element. Also disclosed is such a multi-chambered tube in which the first and second chambers are concentric, and the tube is provided with a first flow regulating element located in the shoulder of the first chamber wherein the first portion of the contents passes through the first flow regulating element during dispensing; and a second flow regulating element located in the shoulder of the second chamber wherein the second portion of the contents passes through the second flow regulating element during dispensing.

CROSS REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation of International ApplicationPCT/US02/21792 with an international filing date of Jul. 11, 2002, whichclaims benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/304,671 filed Jul.11, 2001.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-chambered tubecomprising a flow regulating element for providing uniform dispensing ofdifferent components contained in each of the chambers of the tube, andis particularly useful for dispensing multi-phased dentifricecompositions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Multi-chambered tubes for the simultaneous delivery of differentsubstances when the tube is squeezed have previously been known.Concentric type tubes, in which chambers of generally circular crosssection and of approximately equal volume are provided one within theother, as well as side by side type tubes, in which the chambers aregenerally adjacent to each other, have been proposed. In either case,achieving a simultaneous dispensing of each component from the tubularcontainer that is uniform, regardless of where and how the container issqueezed, remains problematic. Another continuing problem is providingan attractive presentation of a dispensed multi-component compositioncontained in such a tube.

[0004] The amount of material dispensed from each chamber of amulti-chambered tube is dependent upon the decrease in volume of thechamber occasioned by the deformation of the walls of the chamber. Thisdeformation, and thus the amount of material dispensed, depends uponseveral factors including the relative viscosities of the substances tobe dispensed, the size and shape of the orifice(s) through which thesubstances are dispensed, the pressure applied to the tube, and theconfiguration of the tube and chambers. Concentric chambered tubes aregenerally believed to be less desirable as compared to side by sidechambered tubes due to the increased skin friction seen by thecomposition in the outer chamber of a concentric tube that results fromincreased contact with the outer wall of the inner chamber.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,550, “Dual Chamber Tubular Container,” issuedto Mack et al. on Jul. 27, 1999 discloses a side by side tubularcontainer having a dividing wall that is attached longitudinally to thetubular chamber sidewalls. The plane of the divider wall of thedispensing exit is offset from the plane of the crimp seal at the bottomof the tube preferably by about 90°. Other previously described tubularcontainers include those in which the crimp seal and the exit dividerwall are in the same plane, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,894,115 and3,788,520; and German patent no. 2017292.

[0006] However, the tubular container described in the above-mentionedMack et al. US patent is believed to be difficult to manufacture interms of attaching the dividing wall to the tubular chamber sidewalls,and further in terms of connecting the dividing wall of the tube to theinjected molded dividing wall of the tube shoulder. Thus, this tube isnot believed to be easy or cost-effective to manufacture.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,234, “Uniform Dispensing Multichamber TubularContainers,” WO 97/46462, “Codispensing of Physically SegregatedDentifrices at Consistent Ratios,” and WO 97/46463, “Uniform DispensingMultichamber Tubular Containers,” each describe a multichamber containerin which the outer walls and inner divider walls have specified physicalcharacteristics. The inner partition wall of this tube shifts laterallyto respond to compressive displacement of the outer walls of the tubeduring squeezing. This partition wall is therefore made as thin andflexible as possible.

[0008] It is believed that uniformity of dispensing from this tube isless than ideal because the inner divider wall is thin and soft, thusmaking it difficult to build required pressure in the chambers tomaintain even dispensing of a product, especially if the componentcompositions of the product are of greatly different relative rheologiesand viscosities. Further, this tube has no device for flow regulation,making it difficult to maintain an even volume change across thechambers upon dispensing.

[0009] Based on the foregoing, there is a continued need for amulti-chambered dispensing tube that can consistently deliver the sameamount, shape, and size of the component compositions contained in eachchamber at the same dispensing rate, regardless of how the tube issqueezed. There is also a need for such a tube to be cost effective andeasy to manufacture. None of the existing art provides all of theadvantages and benefits of the present invention.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention is directed to a multi-chambered tube forcontaining and dispensing a contents, comprising: (a) a body divided byat least one divider wall into at least two chambers, each chamberhousing a portion of the contents, the body being sealed at one end by acrimp seal and one end of the divider wall being sealed within the crimpseal; (b) a shoulder attached to the body; (c) a nozzle attached to theshoulder and provided with an orifice through which the contents aredispensed; (d) a flow regulating element located in the shoulder of thetube and being comprised of as many sections as there are body chambers,and each section being provided with at least one aperture; (e) at leastone partition separating the sections of the flow regulating elementfrom each other and dividing the nozzle into as many nozzle chambers asthere are body chambers, each nozzle chamber being in communication witha body chamber via the aperture(s) in the corresponding section of theflow regulating element.

[0011] The present invention is further directed to such amulti-chambered tube in which the first and second chambers areconcentric, and the tube is provided with a first flow regulatingelement located in the shoulder of the first chamber wherein the firstportion of the contents passes through the first flow regulating elementduring dispensing; and a second flow regulating element located in theshoulder of the second chamber wherein the second portion of thecontents passes through the second flow regulating element duringdispensing.

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of theinvention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a readingof the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed thatthe present invention will be better understood from the followingdescription of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identifyidentical elements and wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment ofthe tube of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a top sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a partial sectional view of another preferredembodiment of the tube of the present invention;

[0017] FIGS. 4-11 show partial sectional views of additional preferredembodiments of the tube of the present invention;

[0018]FIGS. 12a-12 e show top views of additional preferred embodimentsof a portion (i.e., the flow regulating element) of the tube of thepresent invention;

[0019]FIG. 13 shows a partial sectional view of another preferredembodiment of the tube of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 14 shows a top sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG.13;

[0021]FIG. 15 shows a partial sectional view of yet another preferredembodiment of the tube of the present invention; and

[0022]FIG. 16 shows a top sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG.15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Although the following detailed description is given primarily inthe context of a tube for containing a dentifrice product, it will beunderstood that the tube may be useful for containing and dispensingother products where it is desirable to contain multi-component ormulti-phased compositions in separate chambers of the tube, mixing ofthe phases occurring only at the time of dispensing, for example, foodproducts, hair care products, cosmetic products, chemical products andthe like. In addition, the use of the term “dentifrice” herein should beunderstood to non-limitingly include oral care compositions such astoothpastes, gels, and combinations of such pastes and gels.

[0024] In addition, while the description herein is mainly given in thecontext of a body having two chambers, it is understood that the bodyand nozzle of the tube of the present invention may be divided intomultiple chambers, with the flow regulating element correspondinglyhaving as many sections as there are chambers and each body chamberhousing a component portion of a composition. Such embodiments arewithin the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The tube of the present invention is desirably provided with acap to protect the contents from exposure to the atmosphere when thetube is not in use. Any type of cap or lid that is resealably fittableto the tube nozzle may be used with the tube of the present invention,for example, a standard screw-on type cap. The cap may further beprovided with a flip-open top for more convenient consumer use. For easeof illustration, the cap is not shown in the accompanying Figures.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a partial cross sectional view of apreferred embodiment of the tube of the present invention is shown. Thetube 10 is generally comprised of a tube body 12, a shoulder 14, and anozzle 16. The nozzle 16 is provided with an orifice 20 through whichthe product is dispensed when the tube body 12 is squeezed by the user.The nozzle 16 may be provided with threads 22 in order to facilitate thefitting of a cap (not shown) to the nozzle 16.

[0027] The tube body 12 may be comprised of any materials known to thoseof skill in the art that provide adequate storage of the dentifrice orother product contained in the tube. The materials comprising the body12 should have no reaction with the components that comprise thecontents, such that the contents could be rendered unsafe or otherwiseunsuitable for consumer use. They should, of course, also be durableenough to withstand normal consumer use without leakage, tearing orbreakage, etc.

[0028] For containing a dentifrice product, non-limiting examples ofsuitable materials from which the tube body 12 may be comprised includepolyethylenes, such as low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), linear lowdensity polyethylene (“LLDPE”), and high density polyethylene (“HDPE”),medial density polyethylene (“MDPE”), ethylene acrylic acid (“EAA”),foils, such as aluminum foil, or any of the above materials in anycombination, for example, formed as a laminate structure.

[0029] The shoulder 14 is attached to the tube body 12 in continuousbonded or sealed contact 13 such that the contents of the tube areprevented from leaking out at this juncture. The nozzle 16 and theshoulder 14 are preferably continuously formed from a unitary piece ofmaterial (e.g., by injection molding) as shown in the Figures;alternatively, they may be comprised of separate pieces fused orotherwise securely attached to each other by any means known to those ofskill in the art. In addition, the nozzle 16 and the shoulder 14preferably have the same material composition, but alternatively may becomprised of different material compositions. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable materials from which the shoulder 14 and the nozzle 16 may becomprised include the polyethylenes described above.

[0030] Referring to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the body12 is divided into two side by side chambers by the divider wall 50: afirst chamber 30 housing a first portion of the contents and a secondchamber 40 housing a second portion of the contents. The body 12 issealed at one end by a crimp seal 24, i.e., at the end opposite from thedispensing orifice 20. One end of the divider wall 50 is sealed withinthe crimp seal 24. The divider wall 50 extends from the crimp seal 24through the interior of the body 12. The other end of the divider wall50 is sealed to the interior surface of the flow restricting element 60.The divider wall 50 is sealed along its longitudinal edges to theinterior surfaces of the body 12 and the shoulder 14.

[0031] Accordingly, different portions or components of a compositioncan be housed in each of the chambers 30 and 40 and kept separate untilthe time of dispensing. Each component will have different viscosity anddifferent rheology characteristics; hence, the source of thedifficulties in uniform dispensing.

[0032] The tube 10 of the present invention is provided with a flowregulating element 60 that regulates both the pressure and the flow ofthe component compositions inside the chambers 30 and 40 in order toensure uniform dispensing. The flow regulating element 60 is located inthe shoulder 14, i.e., between the body 12 and the nozzle 16. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the flow regulating element is located atthe base of the nozzle 16. The precise location of this element 60 mayvary, as described in detail below. The flow regulating element 60generally extends all the way to the circumference of the base of thenozzle or the shoulder, depending on its exact location within the tube,and is fitted securely to the inside of the tube. Preferably, the flowregulating element is molded as a part of the shoulder/nozzle piece.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow regulating element 60 is generallyin the form of a screen that is separated into sections by at least onepartition 52. Preferably, the flow regulating element 60 is comprised ofat least a first section 70 and a second section 80. The flow regulatingelement 60 will have as many sections as the tube has chambers. Forexample, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tube 10has two chambers 30 and 40; correspondingly, the flow regulating device60 has two sections 70 and 80.

[0034] The partition 52 of the flow regulating element 60 extendsthrough the interior of the nozzle 16, dividing the nozzle into as manynozzle chambers as there are body chambers, e.g., first nozzle chamber32 and second nozzle chamber 42. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thepartition 52 terminates at a location below the orifice 20 in the nozzle16. In another preferred embodiment, the partition 52 extends past theorifice 20; then, when a cap is placed on the nozzle, the partitionterminates at a location that is below the cap orifice.

[0035] The partition 52 and the sections 70 and 80 of the flowregulating element 60 may be formed from the same (e.g., HDPE) or fromdifferent materials. In the preferred embodiment shown in, e.g., FIGS. 1and 2, the partition 52 is aligned with the divider wall 50 and ispreferably continuously formed from a unitary piece of material with theshoulder 14 and the nozzle 16 (e.g., by injection molding).

[0036] Each section 70 and 80 of the flow regulating element 60 isprovided with at least one aperture 75, 85. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, the first section 70 is provided with at least one first sectionaperture 75. The second section 80 is provided with at least one secondsection aperture 85. The number of apertures in each section of the flowregulating element 60, as well as the shape and dimension of eachindividual aperture, is determined by matching the viscosity andrheology characteristics of each of the components contained in each ofthe chambers of the tube. For example, for the component with the lesserrelative viscosity and/or rheology, smaller-sized apertures and/or asmaller number of apertures may be chosen. For another component with arelatively greater viscosity and/or shear force, etc., larger aperturesand/or a greater number of apertures may be chosen. Thus, the contentshoused in each chamber of the tube are dispensed simultaneously and at auniform dispensing rate.

[0037] Each nozzle chamber in is communication with a body chamber viathe aperture(s) in the corresponding section of the flow regulatingelement. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first nozzle chamber 32 isin communication with the first body chamber 30 via the first sectionaperture(s) 75, and the second nozzle chamber 42 is in communicationwith the second body chamber 40 via the second section aperture(s) 85.Thus, when the tube is squeezed, as the portion of the contentscontained in each chamber of the tube passes through its correspondingsection of the flow regulating element 60, and its flow speed isbalanced as it fills up each nozzle chamber 32, 42, see FIG. 1. As notedpreviously, the uppermost end 53 of the partition 52 preferably does notextend all the way to the top of the nozzle 16, as shown in FIG. 1.Instead, the uppermost end 53 of the partition 52 is preferably locatedat a distance of about 1 to 3 mm below the nozzle opening orifice. Inthe preferred embodiments herein, the uppermost end of the partition canextend from about half the distance between the flow regulating element60 and the top of the nozzle 20, up to a distance of about 1 mmextending beyond the top of the nozzle.

[0038] This clearance allows the component streams, e.g., the firstportion of the contents housed in chamber 30 and the second portion ofthe contents housed in chamber 40, to contact one another and mergeafter clearing the uppermost end 53 of the partition 52 (or the cap),but before actually exiting the tube via the orifice. This is importantfor ensuring uniform dispensing appearance of a dual phased product fromthe tube. It prevents the first and second portion component streamsfrom exiting the tube in the form of disconnected or segregated strands.In addition, the component stream having a higher flow speed will tendto pull the component stream having a lower flower speed along with itas it exits the tube.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown another preferredembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the partition252 of the flow regulating element 90 is offset with reference to thedivider wall 50. Preferably this offset is from about 5 degrees to about90 degrees with respect to the divider wall 50. An offset of about 30degrees is more preferred. This offset may be used to provide effectivevisual impact of the dispensing of a dual phased product from the tube.It prevents the first portion component stream from exiting the tubeopening in a position above the second portion component stream, andalso from exiting the tube opening in a reversed position duringdispensing.

[0040] As in the previously described embodiments, each section 70 and80 of the flow regulating element 60 is provided with at least one firstsection aperture 75 and at least one second section aperture 85. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 16, the first section 70 is provided withfirst section apertures 75, which provide a flow path from the chamber40 and the area 70. The second section 80 is provided with secondsection apertures 85, which provide a flow path from the chamber 30 andthe area 80. Thus, the proper orientation of the flow streams duringdispensing is accomplished.

[0041] In any of the embodiments described herein, the shoulder 14 mayfurther be comprised of an inward extension 18, such as is disclosed inWO 00/13981, “Dentifrice Tube,” published to Chan et al. on Mar. 16,2000, and as shown, e.g., in FIG. 3. Preferably, the inward extension18, the shoulder 14, the nozzle 16, and the flow regulating element 60are all formed from a unitary piece of material (e.g., by injectionmolding) as shown in the Figures; alternatively, they may be comprisedof separate pieces fused or otherwise securely attached to each other byany means known to those of skill in the art. In addition, theypreferably have the same material composition, but alternatively may becomprised of differing material compositions. At least one extension 18is located in the interior of the tube 10, and extends from the shoulder14 in the general direction of the body 12 (as opposed to extending inthe general direction of the nozzle 16). This extension 18 may beprovided in various configurations, as will be explained in greaterdetail below.

[0042] The extension 18 functions as a baffle or funnel that permits theportion of the contents contained in the central regions of the tube 10(i.e., generally most directly under the nozzle 16) to be dispensed,while substantially preventing the contents contained in the shoulderareas S (i.e., the interior region of the tube that is generally boundedby the body portion and the shoulder portion) from being dispensed, whenthe tube 10 is squeezed by the user. Without the extension 18, contentcontained in the shoulder areas is free to mix into the dispensing flow.Thus, the extension 18 maintains a static layer of the contents in theshoulder areas.

[0043] In the context of a dentifrice product contained in aconventional dentifrice tube, the overall flavor characteristic of theproduct tends to be diminished as a result of the absorption andtransmission of the flavor additive into the packaging materials such asthe tube laminate, the shoulder, and the barrier insert. In addition,some flavor additives are comprised of several different components, andin such cases, there may be uneven rates of migration between thesevarious components to the tube packaging materials. This causes a lossof the original flavor characteristic. In conventional tubes, theportion of the dentifrice that is most likely to have a diminishedoverall flavor and/or a loss of the original flavor characteristic islocated in the shoulder areas. Thus, it is desirable to prevent thedentifrice contained in the shoulder areas from being dispensed.

[0044] The tube 10 of the present invention can substantially preventthe flow of the dentifrice contained in the shoulder area fromdispensing out or mixing with the rest of the product. The extension 18creates a static layer of dentifrice in the shoulder areas S (see FIG.3) that is not dispensed as the tube 10 is squeezed. This static layeris comprised of the dentifrice that has experienced a loss and/oralteration of the original flavor characteristic due to migration andtransmission of the flavor additive. Thus, by preventing that portion ofthe product from being dispensed, the tube 10 of the present inventionprovide a truer and more uniform flavor characteristic to the userthroughout the entire usage cycle of the tube 10.

[0045] Many other preferred embodiments of the present invention inwhich the tube 10 is provided with the inward extension 18 are possible.Any of the embodiments described and shown in the above-referenced Chanet al. WO 00/13981 publication may be provided to the tube 10 of thepresent invention and are within this scope of the present invention.

[0046] For example, in another preferred embodiment the extension 18 isof a tapered shape to provide it with a degree of flexibility. Thisshape can provide those users who do wish to dispense all of the productcontained in the tube (i.e., those who do not want the product containedin the shoulder area to be left in the tube upon disposal) with theoption of squeezing down the shoulder portion 14 to completely dispensethe product in the shoulder areas S. Preferably, the tapered shaped isformed such that the extensions 18 can readily collapse when pressure isexerted at the shoulder portion 14.

[0047] In other preferred embodiments, the extension 18 has dimensionsdefined by the overall tube dimensions. Without being bound by theory,and depending on size of the tube and the size of the nozzle opening, itis believed that the length of the extension 18 can desirably be aminimum of 3 mm in length, and up to a maximum length equal to thediameter of the body portion 12 of the tube. The diameter of theextension 18 can desirably be equal to or greater than the tube'sorifice diameter.

[0048] In other preferred embodiments, the extension 18 is provided inthe form of at least one ring 18. Multiple rings may also be provided,each ring having a corresponding radius that emanates outward from animaginary centerline longitudinally drawn through the tube 10 from thecenter of the nozzle orifice, roughly corresponding to the divider 50.The rings may be concentric and uniformly spaced from each other, butthe location, shape, and spacing of each ring may be varied. Forexample, the shape may be circular, triangular, oval, square, or anyother shape, and may be symmetrical or non-symmetrical. The rings can benon-continuous or continuous, or a combination of continuous andnon-continuous rings.

[0049] The extension 18 (or the multiple extensions 18) may extend intothe interior of the tube in a direction that is parallel to the nozzle16 (and also parallel to the imaginary centerline longitudinally drawnthrough the tube 10 from the center of the nozzle orifice). Or, theextensions 18 are not parallel to the nozzle 16. Instead, the extensions18 may be provided at an angle formed with respect to an imaginary linedrawn in the longitudinal direction of the tube 10 from the interiorwall of the nozzle 16. Preferably, the angle may extend up to 60 degreesin either direction with respect to this imaginary line. Without beingbound by theory, it is believed that 60 degrees is an approximatefunctional maximum that if exceeded, may cause difficulties in thereleasing the tube from the injection molding equipment that istypically used in the manufacture of the tube.

[0050] In addition to the preferred embodiment of the flow regulatingelement 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, other preferred embodiments of thiselement 60 may be provided. For example, another preferred embodiment isshown in FIG. 4, in which the flow regulating element 60 is convexshaped. The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is concave shaped. Asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, these preferred embodiments of the tube 10 areprovided with an extension 18; however, it should be understood that itis not necessary for the extension 18 be present. FIG. 6 shows yetanother preferred embodiment in which the flow regulating element 60 iscomprised of two or more tiers 60 a, 60 b.

[0051] FIGS. 7-11 show additional preferred embodiments of the tube ofthe present invention. These embodiments are similar to those in FIGS.1-6; however, the location of the flow regulating element 60 isdifferent. In the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10, the element60 extends between the extension 18, rather than being located at thebase of the nozzle. In FIG. 11, the element 60 extends between theshoulder walls 14. Any of the previously described shapes andconfigurations of the flow regulating element may be incorporated.

[0052] Many different configurations of the flow regulating element 60itself, as well as first and second section apertures 75 and 85 therein,are also possible and are within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, FIGS. 12a-e show additional non-limiting preferred embodimentsof the flow restricting element 60 with various configurations of thefirst and second section apertures. Any number, shape, and dimension ofthe individual apertures in each section of the flow regulating element60 may be provided herein, as long as uniform internal pressure in allchambers is achieved, based upon the viscosity and rheologycharacteristics of each of the components contained in each of thechambers of the tube. The important end result is that the contentshoused in each chamber of the tube are dispensed simultaneously and at auniform dispensing rate.

[0053] It should also be noted that within a particular section of theflow regulating element 60, the size, shape and dimension of theapertures in that section may or may not be similar or identical. Forexample, round apertures as well as square apertures could be located inthe same section of the flow regulating element.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, forexample as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the chambers 130 and 140 comprisingthe tube body are concentric, with the first chamber 130 beingconcentrically disposed within the second chamber 140. The body issealed at the end opposite the dispensing orifice 120 b by a crimp seal(not shown on FIG. 13). Each chamber is provided with a shoulder 114 a,114 b, and a nozzle 116 a, 116 b. A first portion of the contents ishoused in the first (inner) chamber 130 and a second portion of thecontents is housed in the second (outer) chamber 140.

[0055] To provide uniform dispensing of the first and second components,a first flow regulating element 160 a is provided in the shoulder regionof the first chamber 130. The first flow regulating element 160 may bemade according to any of the previously described preferred embodiments.However, because only the first portion of the contents will exit thetube via the first flow regulating element 160 a, it is not necessarythat the first flow regulating element 160 a be provided with sections.The first flow regulating element 160 a surrounds the second nozzle 116b and/or the second shoulder 114 b.

[0056] A second flow regulating element 160 b is provided in theshoulder region of the second chamber 140, surrounding the first chamber130 or the nozzle 116 a that is provided to the first chamber 130. Aswith the first flow regulating element 160 a, the second flow regulatingelement 160 b may be made according to any of the previous descriptionof preferred embodiments. Similarly, because only the second portion ofthe contents will exit the tube via the first second regulating element160 a, it is not necessary that the second flow regulating element 160 abe provided with sections.

[0057] The relationship of the first and second flow regulating elements160 a and 160 b can also be seen in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, the firstapertures and the second apertures 175 and 185 can be seen. As in thepreviously described embodiments, the first apertures 175 provide a flowpath for the first component housed in the first (inner) chamber 130.The second apertures 185 provide a flow path for the second componenthoused in the second (outer) chamber 140.

[0058] Referring again to FIG. 13, each nozzle 116 a, 116 b is providedwith an orifice 120 a, 120 b through which the corresponding portion ofthe product exits the corresponding chamber when the tube body 12 issqueezed by the user. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 13 it isfurther desirable that the uppermost end 152 a of the nozzle 116 a(corresponding to the first chamber 130) does not extend all the way tothe plane of the nozzle opening orifice of the second chamber 140.Preferably there is a clearance of from about 1 to about 3 mm. Thisclearance allows the component streams, e.g., the first portion of thecontents housed in chamber 130 and the second portion of the contentshoused in chamber 140, to merge just before actually exiting theorifice. As described above, this merging is important for ensuring evendispensing appearance of a dual phased product from the tube.

[0059] Unlike the preferred embodiment shown for example in FIG. 1, thepreferred embodiment shown in FIG. 13 does not incorporate a dividerwall 50 for the purpose of separating the body into multiple chambers. Adivider wall 50 is not necessary in such embodiments.

[0060] The embodiments represented by the previous examples have manyadvantages. For example, they provide there a multi-chambered dispensingtube that can consistently deliver the same amount, shape, and size ofcomponent compositions contained in each chamber simultaneously underthe same dispensing rate. The preferred embodiments herein are also costeffective to manufacture.

[0061] As used herein the term “comprising” means that other steps andother ingredients that do not affect the end result can be added. Thisterm encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentiallyof.”

[0062] It is understood that the examples and embodiments describedherein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modificationsor changes in light thereof will be suggested to one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-chambered tube for containing anddispensing a contents, comprising: (a) a body divided by at least onedivider wall into at least two chambers, each chamber housing a portionof the contents, the body being sealed at one end by a crimp seal andone end of the divider wall being sealed within the crimp seal; (b) ashoulder attached to the body; (c) a nozzle attached to the shoulder andprovided with an orifice through which the contents are dispensed; (d) aflow regulating element located in the shoulder of the tube and beingcomprised of as many sections as there are body chambers, and eachsection being provided with at least one aperture; (e) at least onepartition separating the sections of the flow regulating element fromeach other and dividing the nozzle into as many nozzle chambers as thereare body chambers, each nozzle chamber being in communication with abody chamber via the aperture(s) in the corresponding section of theflow regulating element.
 2. A dual-chambered tube for containing anddispensing a contents, comprising: (a) a body divided by a divider wallinto a first chamber housing a first portion of the contents and asecond chamber housing a second portion of the contents, the body beingsealed at one end by a crimp seal and one end of the divider wall beingsealed within the crimp seal; (b) a shoulder attached to the body; (c) anozzle attached to the shoulder and provided with an orifice throughwhich the contents are dispensed; (d) a flow regulating element locatedin the shoulder of the tube and being comprised of a first sectionprovided with at least one first section aperture and a second sectionprovided with at least one second section aperture; (e) a partitionseparating the first section of the flow regulating element from thesecond section of the flow regulating element and dividing the nozzleinto a first nozzle chamber in communication with the first body chambervia the first section aperture(s) and a second nozzle chamber incommunication with the second body chamber via the second sectionaperture(s).
 3. The tube of claim 2 wherein the partition is alignedwith the divider wall.
 4. The tube of claim 2 wherein the partition isoffset by about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to thedivider wall.
 5. The tube of claim 2 wherein the dimensions and numberof the first and second section apertures are determined based on theviscosity and rheology characteristics of the first and second portionsof the contents.
 6. The tube of claim 1 wherein the dimensions andnumber of the apertures provided in each section of the flow regulatingelement are determined based on the viscosity and rheologycharacteristics of the portions of the contents.
 7. The tube of claim 1wherein the flow regulating element is selected from the groupconsisting of a convex-shaped element, a concave shaped element, or anelement comprised of two or more tiers.
 8. The tube any of the precedingclaims wherein the shoulder is provided with an extension extending intothe body wherein the contents housed in the shoulder area of the tubeare substantially prevented from being dispensed when the tube issqueezed.
 9. A multi-chambered tube for containing and dispensing acontents, comprising: (a) a body comprising at least a first chamberhousing a first portion of the contents and a second chamber housing asecond portion of the contents, the first chamber being concentricallydisposed within the second chamber and the body being sealed at one endby a crimp seal; (b) a first shoulder attached to the first chamber; (c)a first nozzle attached to the first shoulder and provided with a firstorifice; (d) a second shoulder attached to the second chamber; (e) asecond nozzle attached to the second shoulder and provided with a secondorifice through which the contents are dispensed; the first orificebeing terminated at a location below the second orifice; (f) a firstflow regulating element in the first shoulder of the first chamber, thefirst flow regulating element having at least one aperture locatedtherein such that the first portion of the contents passes through thefirst flow regulating element during dispensing; (g) a second flowregulating element located in the shoulder of the second chamber, thesecond flow regulating element having at least one aperture locatedtherein such that the second portion of the contents passes through thesecond flow regulating element during dispensing.
 10. The tube of any ofclaims 1, 2, or 9 wherein the contents is a multi-phased dentifricecomposition.